BOYS BASKETBALL
GAME: Salem Academy at Creswell, 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30
WHAT2WATCH: In the first rematch of the season, the 8th-ranked Bulldogs meet the 11th-ranked Sabers. ”Salem Academy is playing really well right now,” CHS coach Jesse Thomas said. ”It’ll be nice to play them at home and hopefully we’ll execute the way I know we can so the results will stay in our favor.”
WHO2WATCH: In only his junior season, PacWest first team all-league returner Bennett Bos was contained by Creswell’s defense in the teams’ first meeting this season, totaling 15 points. Austin Gabriel showed up defensively to bang down low with Salem Academy’s ”elite” and it’ll be essential that he and the rest of the Dawgs win the rebounding battle.
NOTABLE: Salem Academy post player Hunter Schwenke was the only 3A representative that attended the Prime Time Top 40 Showcase, which is an invite-only basketball camp that featured 47 of the top prospects in Oregon and Washington.
QUOTABLE: ”Christmas break couldn’t have come at a better time,” Thomas said. ”We played a lot of games early on so now they can rest. They’re playing with a lot of confidence and I’m excited about where we’re at.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL
GAME: Salem Academy at Creswell, 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30
WHAT2WATCH: CHS is 3-6 overall, and on a five-game losing streak.
WHO2WATCH: Salem Academy returns Chloe Baker PacWest All League Honorable Mention.
WRESTLING
EVENT: Thurston High School Tournament
WHAT2WATCH: Creswell is the underdog this week at Thurston, being the smallest of the eight schools competing. Head coach Mario Perez said, ”Every week we’re working on mental preparation. Last week looked better than the week before and I hope this week exceeds that. Being strong mentally going into any competition will give you a heavy advantage if your opponent has not done the same.”
WHO2WATCH: For the next two events female athletes will compete against each other in their own brackets. Watch sophomore Brielle Brick chase her goal of qualifying for state.